Blue #2 is Hitachi Metals Aogami #2 - a high-carbon tool steel with tungsten and chromium additions that give it exceptional edge retention, easy sharpenability, and the ability to reach a sharpness that stainless steels cannot match. At 62 HRC the edge holds well through sustained kitchen use and responds beautifully to quality water stones. The Kohetsu Blue #2 Nashiji line wraps that steel in stainless cladding - keeping all but the mirror-finished edge from forming a patina and making daily maintenance practical without sacrificing what makes carbon steel worth choosing. Made exclusively for CKTG in Sanjo City, Japan by a workshop Mark visited personally.
The gyuto at 210mm is the most popular size in the line - versatile, well-balanced, and sized for confident all-purpose prep. Blue #2 at 62 HRC delivers a sharp edge from day one that holds through sustained daily use. Weight: 5.8 oz (164g). Total length: 367mm. Spine: 4mm. Blade height: 47mm. Walnut octagonal handle with black pakka wood ferrule. The 50/50 even grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Stainless san-mai cladding keeps daily maintenance simple - only the carbon edge requires attention. CKTG is the only source for this line.
What Customers Are Saying: This is one of the most reviewed knives in the CKTG catalog and the reviews tell a consistent story. Professional cooks praise exceptional fit and finish out of the box and an edge that comes back to factory sharpness after a single stropping session following a week of heavy kitchen use. One reviewer who owns five Kohetsu knives calls the Blue #2 Nashiji a new favorite and a daily go-to. A first-time carbon steel owner describes the lighter weight as a surprise coming from heavier western knives - and a preference he grew into quickly. Multiple reviewers note the knife handles tip draw, slicing, and rocking cuts with equal ease and describe it as aesthetically pleasing on top of performing well. Sharp stays sharp - that is the phrase that appears most consistently across the full review set.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the stainless cladding protects the flanks but the mirror-finished edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings to maintain peak performance.
The gyuto at 210mm is the most popular size in the line - versatile, well-balanced, and sized for confident all-purpose prep. Blue #2 at 62 HRC delivers a sharp edge from day one that holds through sustained daily use. Weight: 5.8 oz (164g). Total length: 367mm. Spine: 4mm. Blade height: 47mm. Walnut octagonal handle with black pakka wood ferrule. The 50/50 even grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Stainless san-mai cladding keeps daily maintenance simple - only the carbon edge requires attention. CKTG is the only source for this line.
What Customers Are Saying: This is one of the most reviewed knives in the CKTG catalog and the reviews tell a consistent story. Professional cooks praise exceptional fit and finish out of the box and an edge that comes back to factory sharpness after a single stropping session following a week of heavy kitchen use. One reviewer who owns five Kohetsu knives calls the Blue #2 Nashiji a new favorite and a daily go-to. A first-time carbon steel owner describes the lighter weight as a surprise coming from heavier western knives - and a preference he grew into quickly. Multiple reviewers note the knife handles tip draw, slicing, and rocking cuts with equal ease and describe it as aesthetically pleasing on top of performing well. Sharp stays sharp - that is the phrase that appears most consistently across the full review set.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the stainless cladding protects the flanks but the mirror-finished edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings to maintain peak performance.
- Brand: Kohetsu
- Line: Blue #2 Nashiji
- Exclusive: CKTG Exclusive - Available Only at CKTG
- Location: Sanjo City, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Stainless
- HRC: 62 +/-
- Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin)
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Walnut Octagonal
- Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
- Photos: Gustavo Bermudez
- Blade Length: 213mm
- Weight: 5.8 oz (164g)
- Total Length: 367mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 4mm
- Blade Height: 47mm
Reviews
8 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Beautiful knife.Posted By: Evan
42 people found this review helpful
Out of the box, the fit and finish on this one was awesome. Beautifully sharp. After a week of use in a professional kitchen, a quick stropping session brought it right back to the OOB sharpness. Loving the performance on it.
42 people found this review helpful
Out of the box, the fit and finish on this one was awesome. Beautifully sharp. After a week of use in a professional kitchen, a quick stropping session brought it right back to the OOB sharpness. Loving the performance on it.
Wow Excellent knife !!! Wonderful knife at a good pricePosted By: Colby - verified customer
10 people found this review helpful
I got this as a gift for a friend, and he absolutely loves it. It's sharpness out of the box was average, but after a little work on the stone, it is in excellent condition. It has good balance and holds its edge well.
10 people found this review helpful
I got this as a gift for a friend, and he absolutely loves it. It's sharpness out of the box was average, but after a little work on the stone, it is in excellent condition. It has good balance and holds its edge well.
Love this knifePosted By: Bryce - verified customer
11 people found this review helpful
This was my first carbon steel knife and it's amazing. It's on the lighter side, which was a surprise coming from heavier, western style knives, but I got used to it quickly and have grown to prefer it a bit. Only put it through its paces a couple times so I can't speak to edge retention, but it came sharp OOB.
11 people found this review helpful
This was my first carbon steel knife and it's amazing. It's on the lighter side, which was a surprise coming from heavier, western style knives, but I got used to it quickly and have grown to prefer it a bit. Only put it through its paces a couple times so I can't speak to edge retention, but it came sharp OOB.
Nice knife.Posted By: Ben - verified customer
23 people found this review helpful
Really liking the knife so far. Shaved the hair off my hand, out of the box, no problem. I really like the balance and the fact that it does any cut style I would typically use (tip draw, slice, rocking) easily. I even managed some chopping, which isn't something I usually do. The knife is asthetically pleasing and I would buy it again. Shipping was fast, even with the free option. No complaints here.
23 people found this review helpful
Really liking the knife so far. Shaved the hair off my hand, out of the box, no problem. I really like the balance and the fact that it does any cut style I would typically use (tip draw, slice, rocking) easily. I even managed some chopping, which isn't something I usually do. The knife is asthetically pleasing and I would buy it again. Shipping was fast, even with the free option. No complaints here.
Great knife
